This post is in partnership with Motel 6. Opinions are my own.
Offering six miles of beautiful beaches along the Atlantic shoreline, Cocoa Beach has an active social scene centered around this stunning oceanside atmosphere. Within the city limits visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of things to do in Cocoa Beach.
The activities are nearly endless in this popular beach town. Choose from golfing, tennis, temperature controlled public swimming pools, tours of local marine life and wildlife, volleyball courts, gift shops and the historic Cocoa Village.
With the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Cape Canaveral just a short drive north, the larger tourist attractions of Orlando just about an hour away, the Cocoa Beach area is actually an ideal family-friendly Spring Break destination. Here are our recommendations for a budget-friendly Spring Break in Cocoa Beach.
Where to Stay
Looking for a place to stay near the beach can be a daunting task, especially during Spring Break time where costs can skyrocket. Luckily, Motel 6 Cocoa Beach has all the conveniences you need for a family-friendly vacation at an affordable price.
Motel 6 Cocoa Beach
With a fantastic location right in the heart of Cocoa Beach and just two blocks from the ocean, Motel 6 offers a budget-friendly and convenient lodging option for families, couples, solo Spring Break travelers and just about anyone in between.
The newly renovated, comfortable, and unpretentious rooms provide a clean, cozy space to unwind after a long day outdoors.
At this location, you can choose from standard rooms or a bedroom suite that features a dining room, living area and kitchenette. Taking advantage of the kitchen to cook some of your own meals instead of eating out can help save some serious cash.
This location also features a large pool and shuffleboard, perfect for entertaining the family while getting lunch or supper prepared.
With affordable rooms, you can save more for the fun adventures you travel for. Cocoa Beach offers such a wide variety of activities that being able to move some of your “room” budget into your “play” budget will help create more of those precious family memories.
Kids 17 and under stay for free (with an adult family member) at Motel 6, and it is also pet-friendly, so you won’t need to find a sitter for Fido while you are out of town.
Pro Tip: Sidney Fischer Park, named after a former mayor of Cocoa Beach, offers 10 acres of oceanfront park with picnic pavilions, plenty of parking, and even shower facilities with just a 4 minute drive from Motel 6.
Motel 6 Cocoa Beach
3701 N Atlantic Ave
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 783-3103
Getting Around
The closest airport to Cocoa Beach is the Orlando International Airport which is about a 45 minute drive away. With the distance, it may make sense for you to simply rent a car for your stay. Uber and Lyft are also an option and can run $50 to $60 to Cocoa Beach from the airport, and $70 to $80 from Cocoa Beach back to the airport.
Once you’re in the city, the Cocoa Beach Trolley offers transport all over the area for just $1.25 (kids under 5 ride free!). Known as the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), it runs Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with services from Port Canaveral to 13th Street.
Cocoa Beach Surf offers bikes for an easy way to get around town and check out local sightseeing. There are a variety of bikes to choose from, including those with baskets and even baby carriers.
Things to do in Cocoa Beach
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Visit this protected manatee habitat along the Banana River and you might be able to catch sight of the animals snacking on the sea grass near the boardwalk. There is a paved fitness trail that runs a half mile as well as exercise stations. It also offers a playground, pavilion with a basic kitchen, picnic tables with grills, and a charging station for electric cars.
Pro Tip: Check out the Zagster bike share station where you can get bikes and scooters to do some more exploring in the area.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
701 Thurm Blvd.
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 868-1226
Kennedy Space Center
If you are in the area, the Kennedy Space Center is well worth the splurge for a day of space exploration. Visitors can walk among actual rockets, tryout astronaut training, test space simulators, watch 3D space films in the IMAX Theatre, and even meet an astronaut.
This is a must-see destination and perfect for families or solo travelers.
Pro Tip: Use the Kennedy Space Center Trip Planner to help build your own unique experience. Answer a few simple questions and the planner will create a suggested itinerary or you can make your own itinerary.
Kennedy Space Center
Space Commerce Way
Merritt Island, FL 32953
(855) 433-4210
Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates Kayak Tour
The lagoon waters on the Space Coast of Florida are a perfect environment for bioluminescence which are the emission of light from a living organism. This light emission makes the water glow and every movement within the water creates a brilliant trail of fluorescent light.
A Day Away Kayak Tours offers these beautiful night time kayak tours. On the tour, you might also see dolphins, manatees, and a variety of endangered birds. These tours are a completely new way to see the waters of Cocoa Beach.
Pro Tip: Even if you have never kayaked before, you can still do the tour. The guides provide extensive training and instruction to ensure you are comfortable before starting the tour.
A Day Away Kayak Tours
(321) 268-2655
Golf ‘N Gator
Play on one of the two 18-hole courses at the Golf ‘N Gator where there are live gators! You can even hold and feed gators right at the park with the help of trained handlers. There are also snakes and tortoises you can hold, too. It is an interactive, wildlife adventure.
Pro Tip: If your kids aren’t into holding gators, there is a mining experience where kids can dig for arrowheads, emeralds and more.
Golf ‘N Gator
6355 N. Atlantic Avenue
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 799-4545
Florida Surf Museum
Take a look around the Florida Surf Museum featuring exhibits and artifacts that capture the long history and culture of Florida surfing. As home to 11-Time World Title Champion Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach has a vibrant surfing history. Check out everything from memorabilia to weekly events.
Pro Tip: Take a selfie with a life size sculpture of Kelly Slater at the entrance of downtown Cocoa Beach where A1A splits.
Florida Surf Museum
4275 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 720-8033
Lori Wilson Park
Perfect for a beach day, Lori Wilson Park has lifeguards, a playground, boardwalk and onsite vendors. There is also a Nature Center and public pavilions as well as restrooms and outdoor showers. Get in a good dose of sun and swim with a day at the park.
Lori Wilson Park
1500 N Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 455-1380
Exploration Tower
You could spend a whole day in the Exploration Tower visiting each of the seven floors packed full of experiences. There is a cafe, interactive boat simulator, state of the art theater, and even a panoramic observation deck. This new architectural marvel has something to see for all ages.
Exploration Tower
670 Dave Nisbet Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
(321) 394-3408
Downtown Cocoa Beach
There is plenty of shopping and places to eat in Downtown Cocoa Beach. Take an afternoon experiencing the local businesses and gazing at the mural gallery full of vibrant colored paintings.
Pro Tip: Every third Friday of the month there is Cocoa Beach Fridayfest. Admission is free for the festival that features food trucks, local artisans selling crafts, family activities, and music.
Visit their website for more information.
Cocoa Beach Pier
Stroll down the Cocoa Beach Pier and shop for some souvenirs or stop at one of the many restaurants for a drink a some deliciously fresh seafood. Visitors can fish from the pier for less than $10 and even take a surf lesson. The pier also hosts live concerts for a relaxing night on the ocean.
Pro Tip: The Pier is a great spot to view local rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center.
Cocoa Beach Pier
410 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 783-7549
Liberty Bell Memorial Museum
Learn about local and National history at the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum. Operated by Honor America, this nonprofit aims to educate people about America’s heritage.
Pro Tip: Check the events calendar to see if there is a parade or Military Band Concert happening during your stay.
Liberty Bell Memorial Museum
1601 Oak St. Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 727-1776
Cocoa Beach Surf Company
It doesn’t matter how you want to spend your day at the beach, Cocoa Beach Surf Company has anything and everything you need. From chairs and umbrella, to boogie boards, surf boards and even wetsuits, you can rent all you need to make your vacation exactly what you want.
Cocoa Beach Surf Company
4001 North Atlantic Avenue,
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 799-9930
The Dinosaur Store
Discover all the Dinosaur Store has to offer. There is an interactive adventure zone as well as museum and a variety of fossils that captivate visitors from all over. Kids and adults will love everything there is to see and do.
The Dinosaur Store
250 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 783-7300
Cocoa Beach Restaurants
Fat Kahuna’s
You have to take advantage of the fresh seafood when you are in Cocoa Beach, and Fat Kahuna’s is known for its amazing seafood, specifically the coconut shrimp. Their fresh ahi isn’t too shabby either!
Fans rave about the burgers, Bonzai Shrimp and there are also gluten free options.
Long Doggers
350 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 613-0002
Gregory’s Steak and Seafood Grille
If you are looking for a night out with some delicious food with a upscale atmosphere, Gregory’s Steak and Seafood Grille has amazing dishes and mouth watering steak. Friday and Saturday comedians make for dinner and a show.
Gregory’s Steak and Seafood Grille
900 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 799-2557
Pineapple Point
The eclectic menu and down home feel keep people coming back to Pineapple Point. They have everything from Italian chicken fingers to loaded cheese fries, shrimp to tacos, and even Philly cheesesteaks.
Pineapple Point
142 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 613-4859